Free Harpy Thyme by Piers Anthony

all right for you to be known as his second son?”
    Crombie thought about it, and seemed to be trying to fight off the notion, but its allure was too much for his frail old resistance, and he finally had to admit that that might make it barely all right. But he knew that Humfrey would never let slip anything like that, so it didn't matter. Now he would fade out in peace with his friends, and all would be forgotten.
    “But you said Trent and Iris were the ones who took your father's attention from you,” Gloha said. “Why should you be friends with them?”
    “They didn't know how it was,” Crombie said, his voice growing stronger. “They think there was some other reason, such as the demoness. So they let it be, and haven't told anyone. And indeed, I worked for them for years, when Trent was king, and he was a good employer. No fault in him. So now I don't want to embarrass them by having it known.”
    “And your daughter Tandy doesn't know?”
    “She doesn't know. Neither does Jewel. So let's leave it that way. After the fade-out party it won't matter.”
    “Well, that party may have to be postponed.”
    The decrepit figure developed some semblance of animation. “Postponed! I can't make it beyond the day!”
    “But you pointed to Trent as the one to help me find my ideal man. So he'll have to help me look. So he won't be able to join your party now. Wouldn't you rather wait until he can?”
    “You are making typically female mischief!” he exclaimed, his insecurely fastened bones rattling with the effort.
    “Well, that's my nature,” she said with a golden little grin. “I think Humfrey misses you, and wants to be recognized as your father, but can't do it if you don't agree. He can't even admit that he wants it, for fear of your rejection. So he sent me to see you, hoping I'd jog something loose. I'll bet that if you gave even one nod of agreement, he'd be here to make amends.”
    “Never!” Crombie said with what might well pass for emphasis.
    “What, never?”
    “Of course never! The Good Magician is incapable of admitting to making any mistake ever in his long life.”
    Gloha had a tiny little tinge of doubt. So she suppressed it before it could grow. “Well, we can test it. Nod your head.” Gloha hoped she was right. It would make halfway sense of half the confusion she had been experiencing.
    “I don't have the strength.”
    “Maybe I can help you sit up.” She leaned over him.
    “All right! I'll nod! Then will you leave me alone?”
    “Of course,” she said with sweet little sweetness.
    She put her hands on his bony old shoulders and hauled, and he managed to lurch into sit-up position. Then he nodded his head once, and fell back exhausted.
    There was a silence. Nothing happened. Gloha realized that she had misfigured it. “Well, I guess you're right,” she said. “I'll go away and let you be.”
    “Thanks,” he breathed. He seemed almost disappointed.
    She got up and went out of the doorway. Good Magician Humfrey met her there. “Are you through?” he inquired grumpily.
    “Yes, I must be,” she agreed sadly. She went on by him, letting him go in alone.
    Then she paused. Her mouth dropped into an open little O. The others laughed.
    “You did it,” Trent said, looking even younger than before. The Sorceress of Illusion was overdoing it a bit, making him seem to be in his twenties. He now wore a bright shirt and trousers, with shiny boots and even a bold sword in its sheath. He looked utterly dashing. “I was hoping you would. I think I owe you a favor.”
    “Oh, you don't have to-”
    “Humfrey brought some Fountain of Youth elixir. He'll give some of it to Crombie so he can survive the postponement of the fade-away party, and he gave some to me. So now I am in shape to help you on your quest.”
    Gloha looked at him again. “You mean-?”
    “This isn't illusion any more. This is my physical age. Of course I'll take some more elixir, with reverse wood, to neutralize the